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PAYE and employer tax compliance assistance

PAYE is an employer-held tax, which means the liability rests with the employer even when it was deducted from employees. This service reviews employer reconciliation and PAYE arrears - distinguishing historic tax correction from ongoing payroll processing, and handling employee information securely under proper authority. It does not include payroll processing or any invented software integration.

What this service includes - and what it does not

PAYE compliance assistance covers employer reconciliation and PAYE arrears review. It does not include ongoing payroll processing or any software integration. Employer tax obligations, reconciliation rules and arrears treatment are confirmed against the Tax Administration Act and current SARS guidance during the assessment, before any specific rule is relied on.

What is reviewed

Historic correction, not payroll processing

PAYE compliance work reviews what was declared against what the payroll shows, and addresses the arrears that result. It is distinct from running the monthly payroll - and these four areas shape what the review covers.

Employer reconciliation

EMP201 submissions reconciled to payroll records and to the EMP501 interim and final reconciliations, so discrepancies between what was declared and what the payroll shows are identified period by period.

Arrears review

Where PAYE has not been paid or under-declared, the review establishes the extent of the arrears, the periods affected and whether the declared figures match the actual payroll.

Authority and security

Employer tax work requires director or authorised-signatory engagement. Employee information is treated as sensitive and handled only through secure channels after engagement - never requested with the initial enquiry.

Compliance route

A sustainable route forward - bringing the EMP201 and reconciliation history up to date and addressing any resulting debt through the appropriate relief mechanism, rather than leaving the arrears to grow.

Scope clarity

What PAYE compliance assistance is - and is not

What PAYE compliance assistance involves

  • A review of EMP201 submissions, payroll records and EMP501 reconciliations for the periods in question.
  • Identification of under-declarations, unpaid periods and reconciliation discrepancies before any correction is made.
  • A compliance route that addresses the arrears and any resulting debt together, rather than in isolation.
  • Engagement under proper employer authority, with employee information handled securely after engagement only.

What PAYE compliance assistance is not

  • Payroll processing. This service reviews and corrects historic employer tax positions; it does not run your monthly payroll.
  • A payroll-software integration. No software connection is assumed or invented.
  • A guarantee that arrears will be waived. PAYE debt is employer-held and outcomes depend on the facts and SARS decisions.
  • Personal income tax preparation for employees. Employee tax certificates (IRP5/IT3(a)) are a payroll output, not a separate filing service here.
What to prepare

Payroll records that help the review

You do not need every document to begin - the assessment establishes what is available. Employee information is sensitive and is handled securely only after engagement. Do not send employee records or passwords with the initial enquiry.

EMP201 submissions and payment records for the periods in question.
Payroll reports showing gross pay, PAYE deducted and UIF/SDL for each period.
EMP501 interim and final reconciliation submissions, where available.
Any SARS correspondence relating to the employer tax account, including statements of account.
Confirmation of who is authorised to engage on behalf of the employer - director or signatory.
Does this include payroll processing?

Where PAYE arrears and debt overlap

PAYE arrears often create an employer-held debt. The review identifies the extent of the arrears; where a debt has arisen, the matter links to the debt-relief route so the arrears and the debt are addressed together rather than separately.

Not payroll processing: this service corrects and reconciles historic employer tax positions. It does not run your monthly payroll, calculate salaries or integrate with payroll software. Ongoing payroll remains with your payroll provider or in-house team.

Debt link: where PAYE arrears have created a debt, the assessment maps the arrears and the debt together and links to payment plan or other debt-relief options where appropriate.

Questions about PAYE compliance assistance

Can you review PAYE arrears?

Yes. Where PAYE has not been paid or has been under-declared, the review establishes the extent of the arrears, the periods affected and whether the declared figures match the actual payroll. The assessment confirms what is involved before any correction or debt-relief route is quoted.

Which payroll records may be needed?

EMP201 submissions and payment records, payroll reports showing gross pay and deductions per period, and EMP501 reconciliation submissions where available. Employee information is sensitive and is handled securely only after engagement - it is never requested with the initial enquiry.

Does this include payroll processing?

No. This service reviews and corrects historic employer tax positions; it does not run your monthly payroll or integrate with payroll software. Ongoing payroll remains with your payroll provider or in-house team. Where PAYE arrears have created a debt, the matter links to the payment plan route where appropriate.

Employer tax obligations, reconciliation rules and arrears treatment require verification against the Tax Administration Act and current SARS guidance before public release. This page describes the review process in general terms; it is not a determination of what applies to your matter.

Review your employer tax position before it grows

A confidential assessment identifies the PAYE periods involved, what records survive, and whether a debt overlaps. No employee records or passwords are required to begin.

Request assessment